Ecuador 1-2T/H High Quality Shrimp Feed Plant Project

Project Background: Meeting the Demand for Premium Shrimp Feed

Ecuador has long been recognized as a global leader in shrimp production, with its vast coastal regions and ideal climatic conditions fostering a thriving aquaculture industry. The country boasts approximately 100,000 hectares of shrimp farming area, contributing significantly to international seafood exports. However, as global demand for Ecuadorian shrimp surged—particularly from China, the U.S., and Europe—local farmers faced increasing pressure to enhance productivity while maintaining the premium quality that sets their product apart.

The client, a well-established feed manufacturer in Ecuador, identified a critical gap in the market: while many producers prioritized high-volume output, few focused on optimizing feed quality to align with Ecuador's stringent farming standards. Unlike other shrimp-producing nations that rely on high-density farming and antibiotics, Ecuador's industry thrives on sustainable, low-density cultivation (8–15 shrimp per square meter) and natural feed solutions.

This philosophy demanded a specialized shrimp feed pellet production line capable of delivering nutrient-rich, low-protein pellets that mimic natural diets—essential for producing the country's renowned "best shrimp in the world."

To modernize their operations, the client sought a 1-2 ton/hour shrimp feed plant in Ecuador that combined efficiency with precision. Their goal was to replace outdated equipment with advanced machinery to improve pellet durability, reduce dust, and enhance digestibility for farmed shrimp. After extensive research, they partnered with Richi Machinery to design a turnkey solution tailored to Ecuador’s unique requirements.

Raw Materials: Crafting Feed for Ecuador's Shrimp Farms

Ecuador's shrimp feed formulations prioritize natural ingredients to support sustainable farming practices. The shrimp feed plant in Ecuador processes a blend of high-quality raw materials, including:

• Fishmeal (local and imported): A primary protein source, rich in essential amino acids.
• Soybean meal: Provides plant-based protein and balances cost efficiency.
• Wheat flour: Acts as a binder for pellet stability.
• Shrimp head meal: Enhances palatability and nutrient absorption.
• Squid liver powder: Adds attractants to stimulate feeding.
• Vitamins and minerals: Custom premixes to support shrimp health and growth.
• Probiotics: Incorporated to replace antibiotics, aligning with Ecuador’s strict regulations.

These ingredients used in this shrimp feed plant in Ecuador are carefully selected to meet the nutritional needs of Litopenaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp), Ecuador’s dominant farmed species. The client's formulation emphasizes digestibility and water stability—critical traits to prevent feed waste and maintain pond water quality.

Introduction to High-End Shrimp Feed Production Requirements

Shrimp feed production differs significantly from conventional livestock feed due to its strict requirements for water stability, digestibility, and nutrient retention. Unlike poultry or swine feed, shrimp pellets must remain intact in water for 3–6 hours without disintegrating while ensuring optimal nutrient absorption.

Ecuador's shrimp farming industry, known for its low-density, high-quality production model, demands feed with:

• Ultra-fine grinding (≤0.3mm particle size for optimal digestibility).
• High-temperature conditioning (95–105°C) for starch gelatinization and pathogen control.
• Precise extrusion or pelletizing to achieve uniform pellet density (sinking or slow-sinking).
• Post-pelleting vacuum coating for fat and heat-sensitive additives (e.g., probiotics).

To meet these demands, the 1-2T/H shrimp feed plant in Ecuador was designed with state-of-the-art extrusion-grade pelletizing technology, rather than traditional dry pelleting. Below is the detailed breakdown of the process and machinery.

Complete Process Flow of shrimp feed plant in Ecuador

(1) Raw Material Pre-Treatment & Fine Grinding

Raw Material Receiving & Cleaning:

Vibrating sieve + magnetic separator removes impurities (sand, metal fragments).

Temporary storage in stainless steel silos to prevent cross-contamination.

Superfine Grinding System

Micro-pulverizer (SWFL Series) with 0.3mm sieve ensures 95% particles ≤0.3mm, critical for shrimp digestion.

Pneumatic conveying + dust collector minimizes nutrient loss.

(2) Precision Mixing & Liquid Addition

Batch Mixing (500kg/cycle, SLHY Series)

3D motion mixing ensures CV ≤3% (vs. standard ≤5%).

Liquid coating system adds fish oil, lecithin, and probiotics uniformly.

Micro-ingredient Dosing (Automated Premix System)

Loss-in-weight feeder for vitamins, minerals, and attractants (squid liver powder).

(3) High-Temperature Conditioning & Gelatinization

Twin-Shaft Conditioner (DSC Series, 95–105°C)

Retention time: 45–60 sec for complete starch gelatinization.

Steam injection control (0.3–0.4MPa) for optimal moisture (16–18%).

Optional Hygienic Conditioner (for antibiotic-free feed)

3-layer steam sterilization kills Salmonella and other pathogens.

(4) Pelletizing: Extrusion vs. Pelleting Debate

While some shrimp feed pellet lines use dry pelleting (SZLH pellet mill), this Ecuador project opted for a hybrid solution:

Shrimp Feed Pellet Mill (SZLH420) with Special Features:

• Stainless steel die (Ø1.8–2.5mm) for ultra-dense pellets.
• Differential-driven roller ensures smooth feeding, reducing fines.
• Pneumatic pellet cutter for precise length (1.5–2.0mm).

Why Not Extrusion?

• Extruders (though higher-capacity) require more energy and are less suitable for Ecuador’s low-protein, high-fiber formulations.
• Shrimp feed pellet machine offer better control over sinking speed, crucial for Ecuador’s pond systems.

(5) Post-Pellet Processing (Critical for Shrimp Feed)

• Fluidized bed dryer (45–50°C) reduces moisture to 8–10%.
• Counterflow cooler (SKLN Series) prevents thermal cracking.
• Vacuum Coating (Optional for Probiotics & Lipids)
• Rotary coater applies heat-sensitive additives post-pelleting.
• Pulse-jet dust collector recycles fines back into mixer.

(6) Automated Packaging & Quality Control

Multihead Weigher + VFFS Bagging (DCS-50A), 25kg/bag, ±0.1% accuracy; Nitrogen flushing for extended shelf life.

Metal Detector & Checkweigher, Rejects contaminated batches automatically.

Full Equipment List of shrimp feed plant in Ecuador

Why This Configuration Excels in Ecuador's Market

Water Stability Optimization

The micro-grinding + high-temperature conditioning ensures pellets resist disintegration for 4+ hours in ponds.

Energy Efficiency vs. Extrusion

Shrimp feed pellet mill consumes 30% less power than extruders, critical in Ecuador’s cost-sensitive market.

Flexibility for Low-Protein Feeds

Unlike extruders (better for high-fat feeds), this system handles soy-heavy formulations flawlessly.

Future-Proofing: How This Line Adapts to Industry Trends

Integration of IoT Sensors

Real-time monitoring of conditioning temperature & pellet hardness.

On-Demand Coating System

Switch between probiotic-rich and high-lipid feeds without downtime.

Expansion to Larval Feed (0.5–1.0mm pellets)

Quick die change (≤30 min) for niche markets.

This 1-2T/H turnkey shrimp feed plant in Ecuador represents the optimal balance of tradition and innovation for Ecuador. By rejecting "high-volume, low-quality" approaches, the client now delivers feed that aligns with the country's premium shrimp reputation—proving that advanced engineering can coexist with ecological farming.

Pellet mills can outperform extruders in specific shrimp feed applications. Ecuador’s quality-first model requires tailored solutions, not off-the-shelf equipment. The future of shrimp feed lies in precision, not just production capacity.

If you want to invest in a shrimp feed plant in Ecuador project, feel free to contact RICHI MACHINERY to obtain information such as the whole plant design, equipment layout, civil engineering, production line 3D design, equipment quotation, and delivery plan.